Charleston, SC Solar: 2026 Costs, Incentives & Savings
Solar Power in Charleston
With its abundant sunshine and coastal charm, Charleston is a natural fit for solar installation. If you’ve watched your energy bills climb, you’re not alone—South Carolina electricity prices have risen 11% from 2020 to 2024. Many homeowners across the Lowcountry are exploring solar as a way to take more control over their energy costs.
This guide walks you through what to expect from solar installation in Charleston—from local considerations to how the process works. For more, explore our guide on home solar panels.
SOUTH CAROLINA by the Numbers
- 20th Most residential solar in the United States
- 38 Households have installed solar panels
- 5.3 Avg peak sun hours per day
- ~$44k Charleston average savings over 25 years
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Charleston, SC?
See real solar costs for Charleston, built from our actual local installations. This calculator uses firsthand data from homes across Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Summerville, James Island, and Goose Creek. Enter a few details to get a clear, honest estimate for your home—no guesswork, just numbers grounded in your community.
Lease Cash Purchase
Small Home Up to 2,000 sq ft
Medium Home 2,000-3,000 sq ft
Large Home Over 3,000 sq ft
System Size
This system size is designed to offset approximately 100% of the average electricity usage for a home of this size in South Carolina.
Recommended System: 7.38 kW
Your Monthly Payment
- Estimated monthly cost with LightReach: $93/mo
- As low as: $93/mo
Why Lease Solar?
Following the 2025 Big Beautiful Bill, the federal 30% solar tax credit is no longer available for cash purchases. With a LightReach lease, Palmetto owns the system and still qualifies for the commercial ITC — passing those savings through to you via lower monthly payments.
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Cost Breakdown
Your estimated investment
- System Cost: $20,936
- Price per Watt: $2.84
- State Incentives: -$3,500
- Final Cost: $17,436
Savings
Your total financial benefit
- Monthly Savings: Average utility bill reduction: $102
- Payback Period: Break-even point: 11.9 years
- 25-Year Savings: $44,486
Palmetto Reviews
The consultation was top notch the whole way, even after the install. At times companies will treat you like royalty before you put down the signature, but then drop off afterwards. But Palmetto Solar was professional along the whole way. I already recommended them to neighbors.
Sancho Leath
Charleston, South Carolina
Thrilled with my new solar system! I’ve been interested in solar energy for several years, so when we moved into our new home we started to do some research. I’m cautious and skeptical with financial matters so I had a lot of questions which Alex at Palmetto Solar was more than patient in answering. They were very good about explaining the process and time tables and everything they told me has turned out to be accurate. The installers that came to my home were also very professional, and did a great job. The system has been running about a month now, and I love logging in to the electric company website to see my solar energy production is meeting (and currently exceeding) my consumption!
Jennifer Paul
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Loving our solar and the savings we’ve already seen. The first month’s electric bill was at least $150 less than what we were paying. I’ll be interested to see what this month brings since we finally started using the air conditioning. Just so you know, i’ve been recommending y’all to people who ask.
Debbie Hayward
Charleston, South Carolina
Key Takeaways
- Charleston enjoys about 230 sunny days a year and 5.3 peak sun hours daily, making it a great location for home solar production.
- South Carolina electricity prices rose about 9% from 2021 to 2024, so generating your own power can bring more predictable energy costs over time.
- State incentives can lower your solar costs, including a 25% state tax credit, plus property and sales tax exemptions and net metering credits.
Charleston Electricity Prices
Considering solar installation in Charleston? Understanding local electricity costs is a smart first step toward a confident decision.
Electricity prices in South Carolina have climbed steadily, rising roughly 9% from 12.9 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.1 cents in 2024. For many Charleston homeowners, those increases add up year after year.
Solar panel installation offers a way to generate your own power. With Charleston averaging around 230 sunny days annually, your rooftop can produce clean energy, helping reduce how much electricity you buy from the grid.
Over time, a solar system can bring more predictable energy costs to your home. As utility rates continue to shift, producing your own power gives Lowcountry families lasting stability and greater control over their monthly budgets.
Price of Energy: South Carolina vs National Average
0¢
10¢
20¢
30¢
13.7¢
12.9¢
15.0¢
13.6¢
16.0¢
13.7¢
16.5¢
14.1¢
2021
2022
2023
2024
US Average
South Carolina
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Energy Information Administration, Form 861
Charleston Area Utility Providers
In Charleston, most homes get power from Berkeley Electric, Dominion Energy, or Santee Cooper. In 2023 (the latest data available), their rates were 14.1¢, 14.4¢, and 11.4¢ per kWh, respectively.
South Carolina’s 2023 state average was 13.70¢ per kWh, below the national average of 16.0¢. Santee Cooper’s public ownership and in-state generation help keep its rates lower than Berkeley Electric and Dominion.
While Charleston rates trail the national average, they can still shift year to year. Solar lets many homeowners generate their own power and rely less on these changing utility prices over time.
Charleston Utilities Electricity Rates
- Berkeley Electric: 14.10¢ -12%
- Dominion Energy: 14.40¢ -10%
- Santee Cooper: 11.40¢ -29%
- SC Average: 13.70¢ -14%
- US Average: 16.0¢ —
Source: US Energy Information Administration, 2023, Form 861, Table 6
South Carolina Solar Incentives
Several solar incentives in South Carolina can help Charleston homeowners lower the upfront and ongoing cost of going solar.
These include a 25% state income tax credit, property and sales tax exemptions, and net metering credits. Duke Energy customers may also qualify for rebates when pairing solar with battery storage.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Solar Energy Tax Credit (TC-38) | Tax Credit | South Carolina homeowners in Charleston can claim 25% of their total solar installation cost as a state income tax credit, up to $3,500 per year, for up to 10 years. | Learn More |
| South Carolina Solar Property Tax Exemption | Property Tax Exemption | South Carolina provides a 100% property tax exemption for residential solar PV systems up to 20 kW, including paired battery storage and advanced inverters, so your home’s assessed value won’t increase due to your solar installation. | Learn More |
| South Carolina Solar Sales Tax Exemption | Sales Tax Exemption | South Carolina exempts solar energy equipment from the state’s 6% sales tax, saving homeowners an estimated $800–$1,500 on a typical residential solar installation. | Learn More |
| South Carolina Net Metering Policy | Net Metering | South Carolina requires investor-owned utilities with more than 100,000 customers to offer net metering for residential solar systems up to 20 kW, allowing homeowners to earn bill credits for excess solar energy sent to the grid. | Learn More |
Charleston Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Charleston’s sunny, subtropical climate makes it ideal for solar. Despite humid summers and occasional coastal storms, its abundant sunshine and mild winters help panels generate strong, reliable energy year-round.
Solar Production in Charleston by Month
System Size: 5 kW 7 kW 10 kW
Daylight Hours
Energy Production (kWh/day)
Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) PVWatts data; Charleston, SC
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
- 45 kWh/day
In July, your 10 kW system could power: - 3.0 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 15 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 4.5 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
- 27.7 kWh/day
In December, your 10 kW system could power: - 1.8 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 13 hours
- or Fully charge 2.8 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
- 14,626 kWh/year
Over a year, your 10 kW system could: - Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 176 trees
Solar Panel Systems in Charleston
See how Charleston is going solar. We mapped solar installations across the country, right down to the neighborhood. Explore this interactive map to discover how many of your neighbors, from Mount Pleasant to West Ashley, have already made the switch to clean energy.
Leasing Solar Panels
In Charleston, your solar financing options depend on your utility. If Dominion Energy South Carolina (DESC) powers your home, you can go solar through a LightReach Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). With a PPA, you don’t pay upfront for the system. Instead, you simply pay for the clean energy your panels produce at a set price per kilowatt-hour.
Because production rises in summer and dips in winter, your PPA payments follow that same pattern. Unlike a cash purchase, there’s no large investment to recoup and no maintenance to manage yourself—Palmetto owns and cares for the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Charleston, SC have net metering?
Yes, Charleston homeowners can access net metering, but the exact terms depend on your utility. In Charleston, most homes are served by Dominion Energy South Carolina (DESC), Berkeley Electric Cooperative, or Santee Cooper. - Do solar panels increase your home value in Charleston, SC?
In Charleston, purchased or owned solar panel systems can increase your home’s value. A Zillow study found homes with solar panels sell for about 4.1% more, and South Carolina’s property tax exemption means that added value won’t raise your tax bill. - How much does it cost to go solar in Charleston, SC?
In Charleston, you can go solar with a LightReach lease starting as low as $72–$117 per month with no upfront cost. Palmetto owns and maintains the system, so there’s no large investment to recoup. - How does leasing solar work and what’s the approximate cost in Charleston, SC?
With a solar lease like Palmetto’s LightReach, you pay one simple monthly payment that covers everything: the panels, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and a 90% Production Guarantee—with no upfront cost. For a typical 7.38 kW system in Charleston, that’s about $93/month. - What’s the best solar company in Charleston, SC?
Choosing the best solar company in Charleston comes down to local experience, quality installations, and flexible financing. At Palmetto, we’ve completed 1,145 installs across South Carolina since 2020, pairing national resources with a strong local install network throughout the Lowcountry. - Is solar worth it financially?
For many Charleston homeowners, solar can be worth it financially—especially through leasing. With a LightReach lease, there’s no upfront investment, and your monthly payment is typically less than your current electricity bill, so you can start saving from day one. - What solar incentives are available in Charleston, SC?
Charleston homeowners can access several South Carolina solar incentives. These include a 25% state income tax credit (up to $3,500 per year via Form TC-38), a 100% property tax exemption, a sales tax exemption, and net metering credits for excess energy sent to the grid.